Prioritise People's Issues, It's Not Yet Time to Rename West Java: Pradi

West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission I member from the Gerindra faction, Pradi Supriatna, has personally stated that it is not yet time to change the name of West Java Province. According to him, this discourse lacks urgency amidst the various issues still faced by the West Java Provincial Government. Currently, West Java is facing fiscal challenges, therefore the attention of the government and all stakeholders should be focused on efforts to resolve issues that directly impact public welfare. “Personally, I am of the view that it is not yet time to replace or change the name of West Java. We must see what the urgency is. Amidst the regional fiscal deficit, there are still many far more important issues that require our collective attention,” he said on Saturday (4/7/2026). According to him, the regional government still has a lot of homework to complete, ranging from strengthening public services, improving the quality of education and health, accelerating infrastructure development, to boosting the community’s economy. Pradi admitted he has heard various aspirations from the public, particularly from the Depok and Bekasi areas, regarding the emergence of the discourse to change the name of West Java Province. Based on the aspirations he received, people in the western part of West Java actually feel increasingly recognised as part of West Java under the leadership of Governor Dedi Mulyadi. “I have heard aspirations from friends in the Depok and Bekasi communities. Under Kang Dedi’s leadership, people in the western part of West Java feel recognised. Therefore, I see no pressing issue regarding regional identity that necessitates changing the province’s name,” he said. He added that West Java is a province with diverse cultures, customs, languages, and community characteristics. This diversity is a strength and an identity that has united the people of West Java. “West Java has a diverse culture. This diversity is our shared strength and identity that must be preserved. I believe there is no need to rush into discussing a name change while there are still many more pressing issues to resolve.” Pradi hopes the West Java Provincial Government together with the DPRD will prioritise policies that provide direct benefits to the community. According to him, efforts to improve the region’s fiscal condition, enhance citizens’ welfare, create jobs, and strengthen public services should be the main focus rather than discussing a change of the province’s name.